An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c14.s8.t4.5

v1.c14.s8.t4.5

The withdrawal of the glaciation released a huge quantity of water in the atmosphere, resulting in heavy precipitation. Snow-fed rivers with already well-established channels began to suffer rapid changes. On the slopes of the Himalayas water flowed in sheets, forming numerous new streams. These streams, transporting big boulders, developed deep channels with steep gradients and became in course of time the affluents of the established rivers, often changing the character of the latter. Coming down to the plains these new streams met with a situation where only a low gradient was possible. They therefore began to flood the area and gradually broaden the channel. Thus were produced unsteady streams with broad but shallow channels which impede the development of a steady course. Even the established rivers began to broaden their courses. This resulted in a situation where at the foothills big expanses of water accumulated. Swamps at the foothills are the remnants.